Railroads shaped Lena's role as a rural center
Lena is a village with about 3,000 residents that rests in the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois. Railroads came to the area in the mid-1800s, enabling farmers to transport their harvests and get supplies more easily. Homes and businesses popped up along the tracks, and the community gradually expanded from there. Today, it continues to serve as a commercial center for the surrounding area.
For locals, it offers a blend of slow-paced living and convenient access to daily essentials. “No other small town in the region has all the amenities that we have,” says Adam Werhane, broker and owner of Pat Brown Realty, who has lived in Lena all his life. “We have multiple restaurants, a grocery store, medical care and a really nice school district.”
Lena-Winslow schools offer strong athletics and academics
The village’s three schools are all located on Fremont Street. Lena-Winslow Elementary School gets a B-plus rating from Niche, Lena-Winslow Junior High School receives an A-minus and Lena-Winslow High School earns a B-plus. The high school is known for its strong sports program. In 2025, the district — along with private donors — funded a multimillion-dollar stadium renovation that swapped the football field’s grass for artificial turf, enlarged the bleachers and upgraded the surrounding track.
Historical homes on Oak Street, and several newer neighborhoods
Tall oaks and maples line many of the gridded streets at the heart of the village, and sidewalks are relatively common. Some residences date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and styles include American Foursquares and Queen Annes. “Oak Street and Mason Street have some very desirable historical homes,” Werhane says. As the community expanded, newer developments with split-level and ranch-style homes were added. These neighborhoods tend to have private driveways and fewer sidewalks.
Overall, not many homes come on the market. “We are very low on inventory — anything that is priced decently is gone within a week or two,” Werhane says. Sales tend to range from $140,000 to $230,000. Parts of the community are prone to flooding, and sellers may require flood insurance. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
Shops and restaurants along Main and Railroad streets
Lena’s walkable downtown is centered along West Railroad and West Main streets, which run parallel to the railroad tracks. Businesses rest on both sides, including Lena Mercantile, Sweet Stitches Market and Brandon's Hardware & Rental. Dining options such as Saporito’s Pizzeria and Mulligan’s Bar & Grill are also in the area.
In the evenings, locals often gather at Coach’s Golf & Grill, which overlooks the Stagecoach Golf Course. Another popular spot is the Lena Brewing Company taproom, located at the southeastern corner of the village. The taproom has a rotating selection of craft beers and serves homemade smoked brisket and classic bar food like nachos and burgers. Lena is also home to Sullivan’s Foods, a regional grocery chain. Freeport, about 15 miles southeast, offers additional retail options.
Lena’s year-round recreation includes disc golf and ice skating
Lena’s parks cater to a wide range of interests. Lions Park offers several year-round attractions, such as playgrounds, a disc golf course and picnic shelters, as well as a seasonal pool and skating rink. The Lena Community Park District hosts youth and adult sports at Dodds Park, which has tennis courts, a playground and ball fields. The 18-hole Wolf Hollow Golf Course is open to the public, and members of Midwest Modern Fitness can use their indoor gym 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area, about 5 miles north of the village, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning more than 700 acres, the space provides opportunities for everything from metal detecting and cross-country skiing to boating and hunting.
Main Street hosts a fall festival and a Christmas parade
Summers in Lena are often filled with community activities, such as Sunday evening concerts in Lions Park, a Saturday farmers market and Taste of Lena — a car show and street fair. Seasonal events also continue throughout the rest of the year, including an annual fall festival. “They close down the entire Main Street, and there are rides and food vendors,” Werhane says. In December, there’s a lighted Christmas parade down Main Street, followed by hayrides, hot chocolate and time with Santa.
PCAT bus service and U.S. Route 20 connect residents to nearby cities
While on-demand transportation is available through Pretzel City Area Transit, many residents rely on cars for travel. State Route 73 and U.S. Route 20 are the main thoroughfares. Locals have access to primary care through the village’s two medical centers — SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group and FHN Family Healthcare Center-Lena. Freeport is about 15 miles away, and it is home to FHN Memorial Hospital. The Chicago Rockford International Airport is in Rockford, which is roughly 45 miles east.
Freight trains regularly pass through the community, often stopping at the grain elevators on the outskirts of the village. “It’s very rare that they block roads,” Werhane says. “I’ve lived here my whole life, so I don’t really notice the noise.”
